Easements and Passive Legitimacy: Commentary on Ordinance No. 11601 of 2024

The recent Ordinance No. 11601 of April 30, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides significant clarifications regarding passive legitimacy in the context of easements. In particular, the Court focused on who can be considered passively legitimized in the event of a dispute over the existence of an easement. This aspect is crucial for the protection of the rights of property owners and easement holders, as well as for the management of conflicts between the parties.

The Concept of Passive Legitimacy

According to the Court, passive legitimacy primarily belongs to the person who contests the existence of the easement and has a current relationship with the servient estate. This includes the owner, co-owner, holder of a real right on the estate, or possessor by name. This legal framework aligns with the provisions of the Italian Civil Code, which states that only against such subjects can a judgment of ascertainment be asserted.

  • Passive legitimacy is therefore linked to a current connection with the servient estate.
  • The judgment of ascertainment can only be opposed to these subjects.
  • In the event of interference against the easement holder, a restoration action is possible.
EASEMENTS - CONFESSORY (OF EASEMENT POSSESSION) - LEGITIMATION Passive legitimacy - Ownership - Conditions - Basis. In the context of confessory servitutis, the passive legitimacy is primarily that of the person who, in addition to contesting the existence of the easement, has a current relationship with the servient estate (owner, co-owner, holder of a real right on the estate, or possessor by name), as only against such subjects can the judgment of ascertainment, which contains, even implicitly, the order to refrain from any interference against the easement holder or restoration under Art. 2933 of the Civil Code, be asserted; the material authors of the violation of the easement right may, instead, be called to court as recipients of the action under Art. 1079 of the Civil Code, only if their conduct has contributed to that of one of the aforementioned subjects, or has otherwise implied the contestation of the easement, it being understood that, against them, the action for compensation for damages may be pursued, under Art. 2043 of the Civil Code, and, pursuant to Art. 2058 of the Civil Code, the action for restoration with the elimination of disturbances and nuisances.

The Consequences of the Ruling

This ordinance has several practical implications. On one hand, it clarifies that passive legitimacy in the context of easements is not extended to those who do not have a direct relationship with the servient estate. On the other hand, it establishes that the material authors of the violation of the easement right can only be called to court under specific circumstances. This means that, to protect their rights, the easement holder must first identify the subject who is passively legitimized.

Conclusions

Ordinance No. 11601 of 2024 represents an important milestone in Italian jurisprudence regarding easements. It not only reaffirms the principles of passive legitimacy but also emphasizes the importance of a current relationship with the servient estate to enforce legal rights. This clarification is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure the proper application of the rules regarding easements. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone operating in the real estate sector or dealing with legal issues related to easement rights.

Bianucci Law Firm